Air compressor question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 0
From: Homer Glen IL
Air compressor question
I purchased an air compressor and air ratchet/gun to remove and replace the wheels on my c5. However it does not have the power to remove the lugs. Do I have the wrong equipment?
Specs
1.0 HP 5.5 Gal
2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
3.8 SCFG and 40 PSI
Generic ($30) air ratchet (size of a hand drill).
Specs
1.0 HP 5.5 Gal
2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
3.8 SCFG and 40 PSI
Generic ($30) air ratchet (size of a hand drill).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
While it is a small compressor,it should be able to handle what you want to do! My suspicion is the tool. an air ratchet is just a wrench that will spin the nuts/bolts after you manually break it loose(unless it is a low torque fastener).You need an impact wrench(gun) And there is a wide range in performance as far as torque capability.at minimum I'd get one with at least 300 to 500 foot pounds,and set for the amount of force you need(they are adjustable.You will be limited to the amount of work per tank charge(it'll be running a lot but it will get the job done.You'll get used to how it will perform and work accordingly. Hope this helps,any other questions send me a PM 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 0
From: Homer Glen IL
Thanks Guys
I just looked up my model Coleman powermate 024-077 and found it is rated at 230 lbs. What is the minimum for lug nuts?
I just looked up my model Coleman powermate 024-077 and found it is rated at 230 lbs. What is the minimum for lug nuts?
Last edited by futuretech; Jul 19, 2008 at 10:43 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I purchased an air compressor and air ratchet/gun to remove and replace the wheels on my c5. However it does not have the power to remove the lugs. Do I have the wrong equipment?
Specs
1.0 HP 5.5 Gal
2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
3.8 SCFG and 40 PSI
Generic ($30) air ratchet (size of a hand drill).
Specs
1.0 HP 5.5 Gal
2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
3.8 SCFG and 40 PSI
Generic ($30) air ratchet (size of a hand drill).
Most 1/2-inch impact wrenches require at least 4.0 CFM at 90 psi and most 3/8-inch impact wrenches cannot produce sufficient torque to loosen stubborn lug nuts. Our lug nuts are torqued to 100lb-ft but they may require 200 lbs-ft or more to loosen if they were inadvertently tightened too much.
Your compressor should have a minimum of a 15 gallon tank and be capable of 4.5+ CFM at 90 psi. I just bought a Sears Professional compressor with a 25 gallon tank and 5.2 CFM @ 90 psi flow rate. It works nicely with my Home Depot 1/2-inch composite inpact wrench which runs continuously at 4.5 CFM and 90 psi.
Also, look out for inefficient (el cheapo) impact wrenches. I've seen some that requite a whopping 6.5 CFM at 90 psi. Those things are air hogs!
